The quest for the Calder Cup is officially underway, and the excitement is palpable as the 2025 American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs feature 23 teams vying for the coveted trophy. For the past two seasons, the Hershey Bears have been the champions, triumphing over the Coachella Firebirds in the Calder Cup Finals each time. However, this year, the Laval Rocket have emerged as the class of the AHL during the regular season, finishing with 101 points, just ahead of Hershey's 96. Will these two powerhouses clash in the Eastern Conference Finals? Only time will tell.
The AHL playoffs, which span approximately two months, kicked off with a flurry of action on April 23, 2025. Fans can catch all the postseason excitement through AHLTV on FloHockey, as the Calder Cup playoffs will not be broadcast on traditional TV channels this year. This streaming service provides access to live games, event replays, and exclusive FloSports Originals.
In the Atlantic Division First Round, the Springfield Thunderbirds made a strong statement by defeating the Providence Bruins 2-1 in Game 1. Meanwhile, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms showcased their potential by overpowering the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins with a decisive 5-2 victory. The Phantoms are particularly noteworthy this year, as they feature a strong contingent of young talent, including several promising prospects from the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Phantoms kicked off their Calder Cup run against the Penguins on April 23, with high hopes and a roster filled with exciting players. Among the prospects to watch is Emil Andrae, a left-handed defenseman who played 42 NHL games this season, tallying one goal and six assists. Andrae was re-assigned to the Phantoms to gain more experience in meaningful games and has already made an impact, scoring three goals and 13 assists in 25 AHL games this season.
Another player to keep an eye on is Helge Grans, a right-handed defenseman who has shown signs of life in his contract year. Acquired from the Los Angeles Kings, Grans earned his first NHL point this season and has a career-high eight goals and 23 points in 66 games with the Phantoms. His development will be crucial for the Flyers as they look ahead to next season.
Nikita Grebenkin, a left winger, has also been impressive since joining the Phantoms, contributing three goals and four assists in just 11 games. With a total of 12 goals and 16 assists across 40 AHL games this season, Grebenkin is sure to be a fan favorite as he brings his aggressive style of play to the playoffs.
Jett Luchanko, a center and the Flyers' top 2024 NHL Draft selection, is another prospect to watch. Although he has yet to find the back of the net in nine games with the Phantoms, his potential is undeniable, and a strong playoff showing could help solidify his future with the team.
Lastly, newly-signed prospect Alex Bump made an immediate impact in his pro debut, earning an assist on April 18 and following it up with a goal and an assist the next day. The Phantoms are undefeated in the two games he has played, outscoring opponents 11-6, and his performance could earn him a spot on the Flyers' opening night roster next season.
As the playoffs continue, the IceHogs are also making their mark. On April 23, they began their Calder Cup Playoff run against the Chicago Wolves, winning 2-1 in overtime. This victory was significant for Rockford, as they have a history of success in the playoffs, boasting a 4-0 record in first-round games since 2022.
Despite struggling against the Wolves during the regular season, the IceHogs showcased their resilience and determination in Game 1. Cole Guttman led the team in goals, assists, and points during the regular season, and he was instrumental in the IceHogs' performance against Chicago. His strong play, along with contributions from veterans like Brett Seney and Joey Anderson, bodes well for Rockford's playoff aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Wranglers faced a tough challenge in their playoff opener against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. After erasing a three-goal deficit in the third period, the Wranglers ultimately fell 4-3 in a thrilling triple-overtime matchup. Despite the loss, head coach Trent Cull remains optimistic about his team's performance, noting that they played their best hockey in the latter half of the game.
As the playoffs progress, teams will continue to battle for a chance at the Calder Cup. Fans are eagerly anticipating the potential matchups, including the possibility of a Hershey-Laval showdown in the Eastern Conference Finals. The stakes are high, and every game counts as teams strive for glory.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Calder Cup playoffs unfold, and be sure to catch all the action live on AHLTV. With so much talent on display and the excitement of postseason hockey, this year's playoffs promise to be unforgettable.
